US: Trans candidate wins Nevada Republican primary

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A trans candidate has won a Republican primary, clearing her way to run for the state Assembly.

“Lauren Scott topped the ballot in Nevada District 30, beating out Adam Khan, who had been endorsed by the Nevada Republican Assembly (NVRA).”

Scott, who is a former Democrat and describes herself as a “moderate” Republican, swept 58 percent of the vote, compared to Khan’s 42 percent.

She told the Washington Blade: “I have always been a moderate and I am willing to work with Democrats and Republicans to find solutions to the problems facing Nevada today.”

In November she will run against incumbent Democrat Mike Sprinkle, who won 57 percent of the vote in 2012.

She did not receive funding from pro-LGBT lobbying groups for the primary, but has since confirmed that the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund have reached out to help fund her campaign.

The Air Force veteran said on Facebook today, following her victory: “The Victory Fund has reached out to me. They would like to work together to make history. Looks like I’ll be getting national LGBT funding. Mike Sprinkle you had better watch out.

“I am humbled and honoured by the overwhelming support for my campaign. A big ‘thank you’ goes out to all of my friends and the voters of AD30 for trusting me to be their voice in the state legislature in 2015.”

Scott previously served in the US Air Force, and was honourably discharged in 1994.

The Nevada Republican party attracted criticism last month for its moderate stance, after it voted to remove opposition to same-sex marriage from its state platform.

If elected in November, she could be the first openly trans state legislator in the US.

However, she faces competition for that title from Dana Beyer, the executive director of Gender Rights Maryland, who is running against Maryland senator Richard Madaleno.

Openly trans candidate Stacie Laughton won her election in New Hampshire in 2012, but resigned before taking up her post.